Invisible Kingdom – 2019-2021 (Dark Horse) – Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
Author: G. Willow Wilson
Art: Christian Ward
Series Contents: The Invisible Kingdom #1-15
Invisible Kingdom is a quick jaunt through a high-concept universe with a raggedy crew on a corporate space ship, all with traits based on our own current realities of consumerism, religion, love and of course free shipping. Get on the Sundog and make sure your deliveries are made in time!
Story:
While it only covers fifteen issues, Invisible Kingdom builds a strong solar system full of intriguing alien species, religious takes, and of course a full-focus on capitalism. Despite the space travel, our story does not span galaxies, instead focusing on a more intimate tale of a few planets within the Surath solar system and their relationships, good and bad. The planets are home to their own respective species, all driven by their own planetary motivations while tied together in some way by consumerism.
Enter the Sundog, and captain Grix. She is a tough as nails leader while featuring a cynical take on most situations and people, yet trying to somehow remain stoic and admirable to Rath, her 10-year-old brother. With her is a ragtag group mixed of the system’s planetary aliens: Xether, Eline and Krov.
There is plenty of heart with the wayward delivery crew of the Sundog, despite the bickering and struggle the comes with most hard-working goods traffickers. They sometimes have to make tough decisions, and they all work hard together to keep the ship together and with enough fuel.
The crew’s typical situation is strained further when repairs land them on a moon and delay a shipment for the Lux mega-corporation. Then… Grix notices some irregularities in the cargo manifest. Something isn’t right, and while investigating a multi-planet conspiracy is revealed before her eyes.
Planets away, a rare genetic alien from the Roolian race named Vess is following a completely different path into the arms of the religious group the Renunciation. This group favors the “invisible kingdom” which avoids self-indulgence, pleasures, consumer goods and most of all profits. Vess herself winds up caught up in the planetary conspiracy as she uncovers monastery leader Mother Proxima’s own connections to Lux and other fanaticisms.
The dynamic world building feels natural, especially when mixing in chaos like pirates, clashing religion, ship troubles, love triangles and corporate deadlines. While fully in the science fiction realm, the scenarios all feel pretty believable since it plays out just like the real world does before our own eyes in the news.
It’s a short romp through space, but it covers plenty of ground and gives the characters time to breathe.
Art:
The art is absolutely beautiful and extremely creative, with coloring that takes it out of this world. It is hard to imagine better art for the Sci-Fi romp, which almost begs you to slow down and enjoy the visual feast, despite the fast-paced story.
I can’t imagine a better artist fit for the tale, but that could be due to the stellar nature of this presentation. A lot of the pages are poster worthy, and must have taken ages to craft.
Reasons to Read:
If you like creative science fiction that resonates immediately then check out Invisible Kingdom. It is a short read and not too demanding other than you plug in and have a great time. There is plenty to think about and consider with the concepts introduced and it touches on them enough to let the reader’s imagination continue to explore on their own.
The art is amazing, and fits with the creative tale.
Similar Titles:
Decorum; Saga; Descender; Ascender; Bubble; East of West; Planetary; Ether